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MRI Technician Salary

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 23 2010

MRI tech salaries vary significantly across the United States. The following are key considerations when investigating MRI technician salaries:

• Level of Training and Education (The more education your have or are willing to obtain, the better the pay. MRI techs directly out of a training program will not earn much more than the average annual salary in the U.S. which is around $35,000.)
• Geographic Location (Metropolitan areas pay more than rural areas and coastal states pay more than Midwestern states.)
• Specializations and Certifications (The more certifications technicians have, the better their job prospects and salary positions.)
• Experience (More time on the job = better compensation.)
• Industry of Employment (Industries that are more specialized pay MRI techs more than general industries, like hospitals.)
• Employer size (Smaller offices may not have the same financial resources as large facilities.)

The average salary for a trained MRI tech is typically between $50,000 and $55,000. A more accurate indication of an MRI technician salary would be to also consider radiologic technologists and technicians salaries. Radiologic techs in the United States earn a mean annual wage of $53,230, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Their hourly pay can range from $15 an hour to $36 an hour and even higher in some circumstances. Radiologic techs who become certified and/or licensed to perform MRIs can expect the appropriate compensation. Most full-time MRI techs will also receive full benefit packages including, but not limited to, medical, retirement, and possible bonus incentives.

MRI techs are in high demand and the growth in the field is expected to rise steadily in the years to come, especially in clinical and specialty facilities. In fact, the BLS estimates an increase in growth in the profession to be between 18 and 26 percent in the coming years. MRI techs willing to relocate to rural areas will also have an easier time finding a job, even if it is not the highest paying job. Larger metropolitan cities obviously pay more than rural locations. In addition, coastal states such as New York, California, and New Jersey pay higher than Midwest states such as Missouri and Kentucky.

Salaries for MRI techs are highest in scientific research and development services. Colleges, universities, and professional schools also pay MRI techs well. In addition, specialty clinics and hospitals have extremely high demand for MRI technicians. General medical and surgical hospitals, as well as physician offices employ many MRI techs, but these are typically the lowest paying industries for MRI technicians.

Newly graduated radiologic technicians certified to perform MRIs can realistically expect to earn around $15 an hour or $30,000 to $35,000 annually. As an MRI tech gains experience, obtains additional certifications, and climbs the corporate ladder, the salary will grow accordingly. It is unlikely that an MRI technician salary will ever climb much higher than $65,000-$70,000. However, some states, such as Massachusetts, Nevada, Maryland, New Jersey, and California have higher MRI tech salaries than average, according to the BLS, with some reaching almost $70,000.

If you are considering a career as an MRI technician, be aware that the salary is good, but you must be patient. Like all professions, you start at the bottom and will have to work your way up to be generously compensated in the field.